Jeremiah 34-35

“You have not obeyed me by proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother and to his neighbor; behold, I proclaim to you liberty to the sword, to pestilence, and to famine” (34:17).  Under King Zedekiah’s reign, Jeremiah had persuaded the wealthy people to let their slaves go free, as God commanded.  However, their repentance was shallow; they quickly changed their minds and enslaved their poverty-stricken neighbors once again (34:8-16).  They wanted God’s favor for themselves but not for others.

“They obeyed and set them free” (34:10).  We receive forgiveness, generosity, and freedom from God’s hand, and He calls us to extend the same to those around us.